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January 30, 2006

Closer Situation

First of all, I just wanted to say that I'm still alive. I haven't been updating because there's nothing to talk about, unless it's Mac's player comments over at BravesJournal.

What this post is about is that I don't want Chris Reitsma closing out games. He's not a closer, he's a middle reliever who isn't used properly. Bobby Cox has always overworked him. If he would learn not to use him in seventy games a year, Reitsma could be a solid reliever. But placing him in the closing role won't change how Bobby uses him. Closers are always worked hard under Bobby, especially when there isn't much help from the rest of the pen.

I truly believe Blaine Boyer should be given the biggest opportunity to be the closer. He has the stuff and makeup for the role and he has already shown that he can pitch great for the Braves. Dropping him anywhere below the setup role would be a big mistake.

Then there's Joey Devine. He definitely has the stuff and makeup to be a successful closer, but he struggled greatly in his limited playing time. If he proves he's ready for it in Spring Training, I would give him the job. But if he struggles again, stick him in Richmond and let him develop more.

Also, if Bobby uses John Foster once in 2006, I'm going to Atlanta and smack him myself.

Posted by David Lee at 05:30 PM | Comments (3) | TrackBack